CountyScore

Clarendon County

South Carolina · SC

#22 in South Carolina
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Clarendon County, South Carolina

Clarendon Performs Solidly Above National Median

Clarendon County's composite score of 68.4 ranks in the 68th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. Strong affordability and low taxes drive its solid national standing.

Virtually Matches South Carolina State Average

At 68.4, Clarendon County's score nearly mirrors South Carolina's state average of 68.2, placing it squarely in the middle tier of state counties. It represents a reliable, balanced option for livability across multiple dimensions.

Exceptional Housing Affordability and Low Taxes

Clarendon County boasts a cost score of 86.5 with a median home value of $147,300 and the lowest median rent in this group at $728/month. Its tax score of 86.1, reflecting a 0.576% effective rate, rounds out a highly affordable living profile.

Low Incomes and Modest Health Infrastructure

The income score of 15.3 reflects a median household income of $48,887—among the lowest in this county group. Health outcomes lag at 59.2, and environmental risk management is minimal at 23.5, suggesting limited exposure to major hazards but also limited infrastructure investment.

Suited for Thrifty, Self-Sufficient Families

Clarendon County appeals to families and retirees seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax burden in a rural, quiet setting. Its profile suits those with stable independent income sources and a preference for simple, low-cost living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.1Cost86.5SafetyComing SoonHealth59.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.3Risk23.5WaterComing Soon
🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clarendon County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Morgan County
Alabama
68.4
Median income: $64,858
Mesa County
Colorado
68.4
Median income: $71,485
Levy County
Florida
68.4
Median income: $53,805
Atkinson County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $38,438
Irwin County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $53,915

Deep Dives

Clarendon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clarendon County

via TaxByCounty

Clarendon's taxes significantly above average

Clarendon's 0.576% effective tax rate far exceeds the national median of 0.52%, ranking it in the upper third of U.S. counties. At $848 annually, the median property tax is about 32% higher than the national median of $2,690 relative to property values.

Clarendon ranks among state's highest

Clarendon's 0.576% rate ranks in the top tier statewide, well above South Carolina's 0.542% average. The median tax bill of $848 falls just below the state median of $939, despite property values somewhat lower than the statewide norm.

High-tax county in the region

Clarendon's 0.576% rate is surpassed only by Colleton County's 0.605% among these eight counties. It substantially exceeds Charleston (0.413%), Calhoun (0.423%), and Chesterfield (0.462%).

Moderate values, above-average tax

Clarendon homeowners with a median property value of $147,300 pay approximately $848 in annual property tax. With mortgage escrow included, that figure typically reaches around $1,080 per year.

Clarendon residents should appeal assessments

With Clarendon's above-average tax rate, challenging your property assessment is especially valuable. Many homeowners in the county pay more than their fair share—a formal appeal can unlock measurable annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clarendon County

via CostByCounty

Clarendon leads South Carolina in housing relief

Clarendon County renters spend just 17.9% of income on housing—a full 2.2 percentage points below the national average of 20.1%. At $728 monthly rent paired with a median income of $48,887, Clarendon stands as the region's most housing-secure market.

Best rent-to-income ratio in South Carolina

Clarendon's 17.9% housing burden beats South Carolina's 20.1% average by a significant margin, ranking it the state's most affordable county by this metric. Its $728 rent is the second-lowest among all surveyed counties, delivering exceptional value across the board.

Clarendon beats nearby counties on burden metric

Clarendon's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio outpaces Cherokee (19.9%), Chesterfield (19.6%), Calhoun (21.0%), and Chester (21.5%), making it the region's affordability champion. While Chesterfield offers lower absolute rents at $776, Clarendon's superior ratio reflects better income-to-cost alignment.

Renters enjoy exceptional housing-to-income fit

Clarendon renters spend $728 monthly on housing from a median income of $48,887—yielding a lean 17.9% housing burden well below the 30% comfort threshold. Homeowners pay $584 monthly, representing just 14.3% of income, offering strong tenure balance for both renting and owning households.

Clarendon offers South Carolina's best value ratio

If you want the lowest housing burden relative to income, Clarendon's 17.9% ratio is unbeatable in the state. Consider Clarendon versus Chesterfield: while Chesterfield's rents are slightly lower, Clarendon's superior income-to-cost alignment may offer better long-term security.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clarendon County

via IncomeByCounty

Clarendon's income significantly lags nationwide

Clarendon County's median household income of $48,887 falls $25,868 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks well below U.S. norms, a common pattern for agricultural and low-population counties across the South.

Below state average but stable ranking

Clarendon's $48,887 falls $8,119 below South Carolina's state average of $57,006, placing it in the lower third among 46 counties. Per capita income of $28,289 slightly trails the state average of $32,382, indicating relatively even income distribution.

Moderate income amid rural peers

Clarendon's $48,887 positions it in the middle of its rural peer group: above Chesterfield ($47,620) and Darlington ($47,419), but below Chester ($51,216) and Colleton ($48,779). Charleston County's $84,320 represents an aspirational benchmark 73% higher.

Best rent-to-income ratio in the group

Clarendon's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% is the lowest among these eight counties, meaning households spend just under 18% on housing. This strong affordability advantage, paired with a median home value of $147,300, provides stability for residents' broader financial planning.

Maximize housing savings advantage

Clarendon residents enjoy the group's best housing affordability ratio, freeing up income for emergency funds, education, and retirement savings. Prioritize employer-sponsored retirement plans and explore skill development opportunities to raise household earnings toward state and national averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clarendon County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below state and nation

Clarendon residents live to 71.2 years, falling 6.7 years short of the U.S. average and 1.3 years below South Carolina's state average. More than one in five residents (22%) report poor or fair health, well above the national 15% rate.

Among the lowest-performing counties

Clarendon County ranks 36th out of 46 South Carolina counties for life expectancy, with persistently high rates of poor health and chronic disease. The county's outcomes lag peers across the Lowcountry and Pee Dee regions.

Consistent challenges in rural region

Clarendon's 71.2-year life expectancy outpaces Colleton and Chester counties but trails Charleston by 6.7 years. The county's 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents offer limited choice compared to higher-performing neighbors.

Highest uninsured rate in group

Clarendon's 12.8% uninsured rate tops most peer counties, and the county has just 32 primary care and 119 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. These gaps in coverage and access directly contribute to delayed care and worse health outcomes.

Coverage is within reach

One in eight Clarendon residents lack health insurance—enrollment through South Carolina's Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid can improve access to preventive and urgent care. Contact your county health department or visit healthcare.gov to find plans for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clarendon County

via RiskByCounty

Clarendon faces above-average national disaster risk

Clarendon County's composite risk score of 76.49 places it in the Relatively Low category but notably above the national average, reflecting above-average exposure to multiple natural disaster types. The county scores critically on hurricane (94.20), wildfire (81.17), and earthquake (88.39), indicating significant cumulative threat. This profile positions Clarendon among America's higher-risk counties despite its South Carolina Relatively Low rating.

Clarendon ranks above state average risk

Clarendon County's composite score of 76.49 exceeds South Carolina's 70.75 state average, placing it in the upper tier of the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Hurricane risk (94.20) and wildfire risk (81.17) particularly distinguish Clarendon from lower-risk interior counties, while earthquake exposure (88.39) adds additional concern. This positioning reflects Clarendon's vulnerability to coastal weather systems and seismic activity.

Clarendon comparable to nearby Colleton County

Clarendon County's 76.49 score closely mirrors neighboring Colleton County (85.46), positioning both as the region's higher-risk counties with similar hazard exposure patterns. Both counties exceed Chester County (43.16) and Chesterfield County (73.98) in overall risk, reflecting their greater proximity to Atlantic coastal threats. This similarity suggests shared disaster preparedness challenges across the region.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate Clarendon hazards

Clarendon County faces exceptionally elevated hurricane risk (94.20) and wildfire risk (81.17), with both scoring in the critical range and representing the county's primary disaster concerns. Earthquake risk (88.39) also ranks well above typical county levels, while tornado (60.34) and flood (50.22) risks remain more moderate. The hurricane exposure particularly reflects Clarendon's proximity to Atlantic storm tracks.

Hurricane and wildfire coverage essential

Clarendon County homeowners must carry comprehensive wind and hurricane coverage given the 94.20 hurricane risk score—ensure your policy includes adequate deductibles and replacement cost coverage. Wildfire insurance deserves attention if your property adjoins forested areas, and earthquake coverage is worth considering given the elevated 88.39 score. Review your policy annually and maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.